Hearty Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Stew
Warm up with this Hearty Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Stew, a comforting classic that turns leftover holiday ham into a vibrant soup full of flavor. This recipe makes use of a meaty ham bone, paired with tender navy beans and a medley of vegetables that simmer together throughout the day. As the ingredients blend, the ham effortlessly shreds into rich morsels, enhancing the soup's taste and texture. Enjoy this filling stew on chilly nights, served with crusty bread for dipping – it's a family favorite that's sure to satisfy!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Meaty ham bone
1 (Use leftover holiday ham bone with substantial meat.)
Dried navy beans
1 1/2 - 2 cups (Soaked overnight.)
Carrots
3 large (Chopped.)
Celery
3 stalks (Chopped, including leaves.)
White onions
2 small (Chopped.)
Water
5 cups (Reserved from soaking beans.)
Salt and pepper
To taste (For seasoning.)
Instructions
1
Start by soaking the dried navy beans overnight in a large bowl of water for at least 12 hours. Drain the beans and set aside, reserving the soaking liquid.
2
In a large crock pot, add the soaked navy beans.
3
Place the meaty ham bone on top of the beans, ensuring it is positioned securely.
4
Surround the ham bone with the chopped carrots, celery, and onions, layering the vegetables evenly.
5
Measure out 5 cups of the reserved bean soaking liquid and pour it over the ham and vegetables in the crock pot.
6
Cover the pot with the lid and slow cook the mixture on low for 8-10 hours. The ham should fall off the bone easily, and the navy beans should be soft and creamy.
7
Once cooked, carefully remove the ham bone and any larger pieces of meat. Discard the bone, but set aside the meat.
8
Using two forks, shred the ham meat into smaller pieces and return it to the stew.
9
For a creamier texture, use a large spoon to mash some of the beans against the side of the crock pot, blending them into the stew.
10
Finally, season the stew with salt and pepper to taste before serving it up warm with your favorite crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
0.85g
Fat
28.57g
Carbs
14.29g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Stew?
It is a comforting classic dish that uses a meaty ham bone, dried navy beans, and fresh vegetables simmered in a slow cooker.
What kind of beans should I use for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for dried navy beans for their soft and creamy texture.
How long do I need to soak the navy beans?
The beans should be soaked in a large bowl of water for at least 12 hours or overnight.
Can I use the soaking liquid from the beans?
Yes, the recipe instructs you to reserve the soaking liquid and use 5 cups of it for the stew base.
What vegetables are included in this stew?
The stew features a medley of chopped carrots, celery (including leaves), and white onions.
How long does this stew cook in the slow cooker?
It should be cooked on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours until the ham falls off the bone.
How do I handle the ham bone after cooking?
Carefully remove the bone from the pot, shred any remaining meat with two forks, and return the meat to the stew while discarding the bone.
How can I make the stew have a creamier texture?
You can use a large spoon to mash some of the beans against the side of the crock pot and blend them back into the liquid.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much protein is in a serving of this ham and bean stew?
There are 14.29 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
This recipe is very low in fat, containing only 0.85 grams per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
One serving contains 28.57 grams of carbohydrates.
What should I serve with this stew?
It is best served warm with your favorite crusty bread for dipping.
Is this a good way to use leftover holiday ham?
Absolutely, it is specifically designed to use a meaty leftover holiday ham bone.
Can I use a different type of onion?
The recipe calls for small white onions, but yellow onions would also work as a substitute.
Do I need to add salt at the beginning of cooking?
No, it is recommended to season with salt and pepper to taste at the very end of the cooking process.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite that is filling and satisfying for chilly nights.
How many carrots are needed?
The recipe requires 3 large chopped carrots.
How much water total is added to the crock pot?
You should add 5 cups of the reserved soaking liquid.
What is the preparation for the celery?
The celery should be chopped, and you should include the leaves for extra flavor.
What categories does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as a slow cooker meal, soup, hearty stew, and comfort food.
Can I cook this on the high setting?
While low for 8-10 hours is recommended for the best texture, you could likely cook it on high for 4-5 hours.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: ham bone, navy beans, carrots, celery, onions, water, and seasoning.
What size onions should I use?
The recipe specifies using 2 small white onions.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, bean stews typically freeze well in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Is this stew similar to a chowder?
One of its tags is 'chowder,' especially if you mash some of the beans to create a thicker, creamier consistency.
How do I know the beans are done?
The beans are finished when they are soft and creamy to the bite.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe because the slow cooker does most of the work.
Should I drain the beans after soaking?
Yes, drain them but be sure to reserve the soaking liquid to use as the cooking broth.
Can I add other spices?
While the recipe focuses on the flavor from the ham bone, you can add herbs like thyme or bay leaves if desired.